Six Nations 2018: Warren Gatland feared red for 'emotional' Liam Williams

Liam Williams was replaced during Wales' 38-14 victory over Italy because coach Warren Gatland feared the "emotional player" might get sent off.

The full-back had been sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle just before the break and played no further part.

"It was about sending a subtle message to him," said Gatland.

"It wasn't the plan to only play him for 40 minutes but if there was another incident with a second yellow and red card, it'd have put us under pressure."

Gatland, who brought on Leigh Halfpenny as Williams' replacement, added: "He is an emotional player and that's what brings the best out in him.

"The yellow card was fair, we had no complaints. If he was going to make the tackle he didn't have to go that high.

"Whether he gets cited as a result, we will wait and see."

Liam Williams was sin-binned for a high tackle on Italy full-back Matteo Minozzi

Wales were reduced to 13 men when Williams was followed to the sin-bin by scrum-half Gareth Davies, who deliberately knocked-on to thwart an Azzurri attack.

Wales led 17-7 at the break and went on to score five tries in total and earn the bonus-point win, with winger George North scoring twice.

"I thought George was outstanding and Justin Tipuric was excellent," added Gatland.

"Every time George carried the ball he caused Italy problems with his footwork. He was outstanding."

However, the New Zealander was also frustrated with other aspects of the home performance after making 10 changes to the starting XV.

• Wales 34-18 Italy

• As it happened: Wales score five against Italy

"There was some really good stuff and some frustrating things," said Gatland.

"To make 10 changes and to beat Italy was job done.

"We know there were things we were disappointed with and know we have to work on with our discipline in the first half after a couple of soft penalties and then two yellow cards.

"There were some real positives in the second half and we will look forward to next weekend against France.

"If we can win that and finish second in the tournament that is not a bad effort."

North's 'difficult' period with Saints

George North made his Wales debut against South Africa in 2010

North admitted it has been a "difficult" couple of weeks after bouncing back from controversy with his club Northampton.

Saints boss Alan Gaffney suggested North - who will leave the club at the end of the season to return to Wales - did not want to play in their Premiership defeat by Sale on 3 March, a non-Six Nations weekend.

"It's been a difficult couple of weeks, but it's been good to be in camp with a real focus," said North.

"It was a case of looking at Italy and making sure it was full steam ahead.

"Having this game as a focus was a good thing for me. To get a start for your country means everything, it's all I work for.

"To get a chance to play in a great stadium like this in front of a great bunch of fans was great. Two tries was a bonus."

He faces an uncertain rest of the season before returning to Wales in the summer on a national dual contract at an as yet undecided region.

Gatland backing his man

Wales could finish second in the Six Nations under coach Warren Gatland

He could return sooner, with the Ospreys offering the chance for the Lions wing to play for the region the rest of 2017-18.

Gatland expects North and Saints officials to meet before any further developments.

"I think he will go back and meet with the club," said Gatland.

"It is a bit messy but I am here for him if he needs me.

"With young men sometimes, when they take a bit of criticism, you start to worry.

"He might have thought 'what's going to happen? Are Northampton going to terminate my contract, am I going to have a job next week?'

"My role is to support the players as much as I can and send a message to George that we are here for him.

"He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Northampton and has always been positive about the fans and the club.

"I just thought it was part of my job to put the player at ease. If anything did spiral out of control we are here to support him."